Innovative microCHP appliance that generates both heat and electricity

Peterborough 13 January 2006 - Microgen Energy Limited and top Dutch boiler manufacturer Remeha are to work together to commercialise an alternative to the traditional heating boiler. The innovative micro-combined heat and power (microCHP) appliance simultaneously produces electricity as well as heat. The new appliance could result in substantial energy savings of up to 25% for an average household.

Savings in energy and costs

This new generation of heating appliance incorporates not only the latest condensing boiler technology but also a Free-Piston Stirling generator which converts the energy in natural gas to electricity and hot water for the radiators and water system. The Stirling engine from the UK based company Microgen Energy Limited is maintenance free and generates electricity that can be used in any household. While heating the home, the microCHP unit produces over 1 kW of electricity, enough to run several home electrical appliances, including a television, computer, security system, phone, lighting and the fridge/freezer at the same time. It is even possible, with an optional module, to generate heat and electricity during a power cut.

The microCHP unit is designed to be compact, easy to install and is as quiet as a condensing boiler.

Energy savings up to 25%

By linking heat and electricity, the microCHP unit could save consumers up to 25% on annual energy bills and can reduce CO2 emissions.

The consumer will save on costs and will also help to contribute to a better environment. In this time of high energy prices and increasing concerns about the environment, the time is right for this innovative new appliance.

Market Introduction

Before this new microCHP appliance can be launched, Microgen and Remeha will need to achieve several milestones in their collaboration. In the short term, prototypes will be tested extensively in both the field and in laboratories, followed by a consumer test in winter 2006/2007. In March 2007 the new microCHP appliance will be unveiled at the ISH Exhibition in Frankfurt. The appliance is scheduled to be commercially available later that year.

Collaboration

Dutch manufacturer Remeha, experts in condensing boiler technology, and UK based Microgen, experts in cogeneration technology and provider of the Stirling engine, have joined forces and will combine their proven technical expertise to deliver the next generation in home heating.

For further information please contact the Microgen Press Office:

Suzanna Hammond or Sally Davis on:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7630 6633 Fax: + 44 (0)20 7821 6949

suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk and sally@hammondpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors

About Microgen

Microgen Energy Limited is a wholly–owned subsidiary of BG Group - ‘a global natural gas business’. Microgen is a leading developer of microCHP technology based on free-piston Stirling engine technology and now has over 100 people working on the project.

About Remeha

Remeha is a Dutch based manufacturer of high quality heating boilers with over 70 years experience. Remeha is part of De Dietrich-Remeha Group, an important player on the European heating market with over 2400 employees and an annual turnover of more than 500 million Euros.